Cheshire East Council CCTV and shops’ network aids police after shoppers stabbed in attacks

 

Police have praised Cheshire East Council’s CCTV operatives and the local business community for their ‘excellent’ cooperation to help officers arrest a suspect after two shoppers were allegedly stabbed by the same person in Crewe.

A 29-year-old man, from Crewe, was arrested and being questioned in connection with both knifings.

Shoppers are being reassured today (Monday) following the incidents in which a 72-year-old woman and a 55-year-old man were stabbed at about 11.30am on Saturday.

The woman was airlifted to University Hospital of North Staffordshire after being stabbed in WHSmith in the Victoria Centre. The man was stabbed in a car park near Asda a short time late. He was also airlifted to the hospital for treatment.

Police and the Leader of Cheshire East Council have praised the ‘excellent’ co-operation between the authority’s CCTV team and the local traders’ radio link to alert officers and pass on vital information about a suspect in relation to the alleged attacks.

Councillor Les Gilbert, Cheshire East Council Cabinet member and chairman of the Safer Cheshire East Partnership, said: “These were appalling incidents and my thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families. I hope they will recover quickly.

“Cheshire East’s CCTV operatives, local businesses and the police deserve a lot of praise for their swift action and co-operation to help get the situation in hand so quickly.

“It was superb partnership work involving our CCTV staff and the local traders’ radio network to ensure that vital information was shared swiftly and effectively.

“One senior Cheshire police officer told our staff that this was probably the best CCTV interaction and co-operation they have ever had.

“It is fantastic that our business community has worked so well with Cheshire East Council and the police to help protect our wider community. I am very proud of them – and Cheshire East should be very proud of its strong communities and community spirit.

“I would, however, like to reassure people that incidents such as this are incredibly rare and people should not be afraid to go about their business as usual.”

Police are currently reviewing Council CCTV footage in relation to the alleged attacks.

Witnesses to the incidents or anyone with information about the stabbings should call the police non-emergency number on 101, quoting incident 409 of August 16.

Could you be an on-call firefighter in Audlem?

 

Fire chiefs are looking for enthusiastic and willing people to work as on-call firefighters at Audlem Fire Station. They want to meet people who are keen to work in a team environment and who would like to earn an additional income of around £5000 each year.
Anyone who is interested in finding out more about the role is welcome to come to one of two special open days being held at the Station to find out what being an on-call firefighter is all about.

The open days are on

• Saturday 6th September from 10am - 1pm

• Tuesday 9th September from 5pm - 8pm

at Audlem Fire Station on Shropshire Street.

These events will give people the opportunity to learn more about the role, expected hours of training and duty, what it entails, and how to move through the process of becoming an on-call firefighter. Visitors will be able to talk to serving firefighters, members of the operational training group, and other fire and rescue staff.

They are ‘drop-in’ events between the published times and it's recommended that a couple of hours are allowed to be able to get a full insight into what is expected of an on-call firefighter, and how potential recruits can maximise their applications.
Being an on-call firefighter is an exciting and demanding role that allows people to make a real difference to their community and help to save lives. On-call firefighters get the same level of training as a full time firefighter to help them to operate in frontline situations.

Firefighters don't just fight fires - attending community events and acting as ambassadors is also an important part of the role. And it's is not a voluntary position, on-call firefighters are paid well for the work they do.

Paul Hancock, Cheshire Fire and Rescue's Chief Fire Officer, said: "Working with the fire and rescue service is a thoroughly rewarding experience. It gives individuals the opportunity to work with people from different backgrounds and meet people in the community as well as responding to emergency incidents within Cheshire."

On-call firefighters come from all walks of life, including shopkeepers, stay at home mums, builders, plumbers, farmers, secretaries, company directors, and people who may not currently be employed, and they work alongside their wholetime (full-time) colleagues.

Alex Waller, Head of Service Delivery, added: "People who apply must be able to respond quickly to the fire station, have a real wish to support their local community, have an enthusiasm and willingness to work in a team environment, and have a reasonable level of fitness. If you think you have got what it takes to join us please come to one of our open days.”

For more information or to register interest in attending one of the open days please call Sarah Dornford-May on 01606 868451 or email interest@cheshirefire.gov.uk and have a look at more information at http://www.cheshirefire.gov.uk/jobs/on-call-firefighter-recruitment

Don’t miss this fantastic free historic event to honour Cheshire Regiment’s First World War fallen from first major battle

 

Don’t miss out on the chance to take part in a FREE historic concert event this weekend to honour the Cheshire Regiment soldiers who gave their lives in their first major battle of the First World War.

The free concert and memorial service is being held at Tatton Park on Sunday (August 24) to honour the Cheshire Regiment’s fallen of the Great War.

People are being encouraged to bring a picnic and attend the family event, which will take place in the beautiful surroundings of Tatton’s Old Hall, from 3pm.

The commemoration marks the centenary of the Battle of Mons – the first major military engagement by The 1st Battalion of the 22nd (Cheshire) Regiment in 1914 and where the regiment suffered severe casualties.

Councillor Michael Jones, Leader of Cheshire East Council, said: “It is absolutely right that we should commemorate the tremendous courage and sacrifice of Cheshire’s soldiers and I would urge families to come along and join us for this fantastic and poignant commemorative event.

“I’m sure it will be a memorable afternoon for everyone involved.”

The Battle of Mons was where the British Army saw its first major action of The Great War – and soldiers of the Cheshire Regiment played a major part in the terrible fighting.

The Cheshires suffered very heavy losses and impressed officers on both sides of the conflict with their bravery and refusal to retreat.

Of the 25 officers and 952 other ranks of the Cheshires present at the start of the battle, only seven officers and 200 men remained alive by the end of the day – and only 40 men from the battalion survived unwounded.

People are encouraged to arrive for the free concert and memorial service from 2.30pm for a 3pm start. 

A memorial service will be followed by excerpts from ‘Silent Night’ and ‘Over By Christmas by acting group Theatre in the Quarter, readings from Cheshire East Youth Theatre and a concert by the world-renowned Fodens Brass Band.

Dignitaries will attend several of the Great War’s participant nations, including Belgium, France, Germany, India, Australia and Bangladesh.

The event is free – however the usual gate entry fee to Tatton Park applies. Because space is limited, people are urged to arrive early to avoid disappointment.

People are encouraged to bring your own picnics and blankets for seating. Please do not bring dogs or barbeques to the event, as they are not permitted.

The concert is part of Cheshire East’s four-year programme of activities, events and development schemes to commemorate the centenary of the First World War – which is called Cheshire East Reflects. 

If you would like to promote you community’s commemorative events, or get involved, or have stories to share from this period, please visit the Cheshire East Reflects website at: www.cheshireeastreflects.com/

Call for Moorfields, Willaston planning decision to be taken to judicial review

 

Willaston and Rope Ward UKIP Councillor Brian Silvester is calling for the Moorfields, Willaston planning decision to be taken to judicial review by the Borough Council. Local residents are seething that 146 houses have been given permission in the teeth of the unanimous opposition of local people. They feel badly let down by the broken promises and incompetence of the Cheshire East Council (CEC)

I think there is a clear case for going to judicial review over the Moorfields decision. In an appeal decision only a few days earlier, for land off Sydney Road Crewe, in the green gap, the appeal was rejected because of the negative impact on the green gap between Crewe and Haslington. (see below)

This is what the Inspector said, “I conclude on this issue (Green Gap) that the proposed development does not accord with

the relevant part of the development plan in respect of the protection of a Green Gap.”

In light of the Sydney Road decision the Moorfields decision looks to be perverse and ripe for challenge. I hope the Council proceeds to judicial review as soon as possible.CEC have failed local residents on planning and this is an opportunity to try and put it right. They should grasp that opportunity. I am writing to the Chief Executive of CEC asking him to go ahead with a judicial review forthwith.”

Cllr Brian Silvester BA (Hons)

Willaston and Rope Ward UKIP Councillor

Cheshire East Council

11 Rimsdale Close

Rope,Crewe

CW2 6RS

Tel/fax 01270 567757

   Criticism of theatre for not allocating any Michael McIntyre tickets for general public

Willaston and Rope Ward UKIP Councillor Brian Silvester has criticised the Lyceum Theatre for allocating all the Michael McIntyre tickets to Friends of the Theatre and leaving none for the general public.

He said,” It is a major coup to get a major top comedian like Michael McIntyre to come to Crewe but it has left a nasty taste that the general public have been totally excluded from the show.

A good proportion of the tickets should have been held back for the general public.Cheshire East Council taxpayers pay £250,000 a year (£5000 per week) in subsidies to the Theatre so it is wrong that  most Council taxpaters are being excluded from having a chance to buy a ticket. I am writing to the Council’s Chief Executive to suggest that one of the conditions of the grant being provided to the theatre should be that in future tickets should be made available to all for very popular shows like this.”

MP,s 153rd news bulletin

Friday, 15 August 2014

Welcome

Welcome to this, my 153rd news bulletin.

A number of Crewe and Nantwich residents have contacted me recently about the payday loan industry, and it's not all surprising. The fact is that the payday lending market is not operating as it should. Consumers are bearing the brunt and this cannot continue.

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), which regulates consumer credit, has proposed tough new rules for payday lending to help those consumers most at risk of harm from poor business practices.

Moreover, loans should not be given to people who cannot realistically afford to pay them back. Too few lenders check customers other financial commitments, including bills and other loans before lending to them. The FCA will have stronger powers to enforce guidance that lenders do this properly.

New rules will also limit the number of times a lender can access your account to just twice over the course of the loan and limit the number of times you can rollover a loan to two. Lenders will also have to prove rolling a loan over once is in the customers best interest, the customer will have to agree and be given information on accessing free debt advice.

The FCA will also tackle the problems around the advertising of payday loans. This includes making adverts include a warning reminding potential customers many people do not pay back loans on time and that this is costly. Adverts will now have a line directing customers to free, independent debt advice and the FCA will have the power to ban misleading adverts.

Finally, I welcome the Government’s recent decision to introduce a cap on the cost of payday loans. The planned cap will be on the total cost of credit, not just the interest fee, but also the arrangement fees as well as the penalty fees.

These measures will be good for consumers overall, and will clearly signal to lenders that if they do not get their houses in order now, so they are fair on the people who use them, they will face severe consequences.

Like local residents, I want to see a responsible payday loan industry that works for those who rely on it and ensures that hardworking people are given fair deals, rather than being exploited, and I am glad that steps are being taken to provide one.

Another way of managing your money is with a credit union, like our local Cheshire Neighbours Credit Union, of which I am a member. Credit unions offer a range of savings accounts and loan products suited to your individual needs and at rates you can afford. Visit their website at www.cncu.org.uk for more information.

Edward Timpson MP
Member of Parliament for Crewe and Nantwich and Minister of the Year

Please remember, you can always contact me directly if you have any questions for me, or if there is anything I can do to assist you.

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Westminster Report

The latest edition of my Westminster Report is now being delivered across Crewe and Nantwich, with the latest news on jobs and employment, as well as the major infrastructure investment that is coming our way.

You can click here or on the image to read a copy online.

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Government backs new University Technical College for South Cheshire

Nantwich News: Nantwich and Crewe youngsters will benefit from a new University Technical College in South Cheshire. The Government has announced the move and believes the college, will boost the region’s engineering skills.

It will cater for 14-19-year-olds who want to pursue careers in engineering and high skill manufacturing. Students will work with major local employers to develop gold-standard vocational qualifications alongside more traditional ones.

UTC Crewe is due to open in September 2016.

The announcement comes as representatives from five Northern cities met Chancellor George Osborne to unveil a £15billion plan to improve road and rail connections.

The joint “One North” report includes plans for a new 125mph inter-city rail link, faster links and better access to ports and airports.

Crewe and Nantwich MP Edward Timpson said: “I have really pushed for this college in government because I have seen with my own eyes what the young people of Crewe and Nantwich are capable of when given the opportunity of first-class technical training.

“I want them set up for life with skills that will keep them employed and spur them on to higher education if they want it.

“This college will be producing the engineers of the future under the guidance of some stellar companies. I am so pleased we pulled it off.”

Cllr Jones hailed the Government’s decision on the UTC. He said: “Britain’s once world-beating manufacturing sector has suffered over the decades, leading to lost opportunities to train our youngsters up to become leading engineers of the future.

“Cheshire East Council has held this vision for some time and we are delighted the Government has now thrown its full weight behind this idea.

“We also fully support securing more apprentices and our own award-winning apprentice scheme, The A-Team, which offers fantastic training for our youngsters in Cheshire East.”

The UTC scheme is a partnership between Cheshire East Council, Bentley Motors, Manchester Metropolitan University, Siemens, Bosch, OSL Rail, Jacobs Engineering, Chevron Racing, Optical 3D and South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce.

The aim is to fill the gap local businesses have of young people with automotive, engineering, rail and design skills in these growing industries.

Bentley’s Dr Ariane Reinhart said: “UTC Crewe is fantastic news. It will enhance the local community, boosting skills, education and employability, for the benefit of individuals and many organisations.”

Mathew Conway, engineering director of Crewe-based OSL, a rail infrastructure company, said: “It is a fantastic schooling strategy, which I term school-plus.

“It will allow young professionals of the future, working with real business and educational partners, several educational pathways to gain both academic theory and real-world, practical, work-based experience.”

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Crewe & Nantwich MP: Improved network will boost economy

Crewe Chronicle: In the latest of a series of articles looking at the South Cheshire economy, Barry Ellams questions Crewe and Nantwich MP Edward Timpson on transport.

Question: The road network around Crewe is used as a bypass to the M6. How big a hindrance is this to commuters and business in your opinion?

A: Obviously commuters - including me - want to get from A to B as quickly as possible, and people using our roads as a rat run make that more difficult. But we can't blame them. They do it for a reason. So To help alleviate this problem the Department for Transport has provided £26.4million for the Crewe Green Link Road and £8million for M6 Junction 16 improvements, making that exit more attractive to motorists and taking traffic off minor roads.

Question: The town's infrastructure revolves around its railway town heritage, but has its poor road linkage let it down?

A: You only need to look at a map to see that all roads lead to Nantwich, and all railway lines leads to Crewe. Both towns have prospered as a result in the past, and continue to as a result in some ways.

The problem for Crewe is that people travel in a different way locally to the way they used to when the town was built - they drive: cars are affordable to most. Indeed the Chancellor has announced fuel duty will be 20p per litre lower by the end of the Parliament compared to plans inherited from Labour. This will save the average motorist £11 every time they fill up their tank by 2015-16.

Crewe's roads are constrained by the bridges across the various railway lines that feed into it. The classic problem is the bridge between the town centre and the Grand Junction Retail Park. The line and the bridge separate two retail areas, and the one with the best car access wins. I would like to see that bridge widened and better pedestrian linkages put in to alleviate congestion and link up the two areas into one successful retail area.

• You can read my interview about transport and infrastructure in full, on the Crewe Chronicle website.

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Pilot scheme to speed up adoption process

Crewe Chronicle: Cheshire East Council has been given the green light to allow people approved to adopt to search the national Adoption Register for the first time.

The council has been specially selected to pilot the scheme which will allow approved adopters to learn more about the children who are waiting for a loving, stable home.

From this September, they will be able to find out about their hobbies, likes and dislikes, and hear them speak and laugh in videos and pictures to help match children waiting with their new family.

Opening the register is designed to ensure that children are placed more quickly with families who can give them the stability and security they deserve. Strict safeguards will be put in place to ensure the safety and privacy of children and approved adopters. The Adoption Register is currently only used by social workers to find homes for children waiting to be adopted.

Minister for children and families, Edward Timpson, who has two adopted brothers, said: “Allowing parents in Cheshire East who are approved to adopt to see videos and pictures, to hear the children speak and laugh – while keeping in place the strictest safeguards – will give them a greater role in the process and ensure more children are placed with their new family much more quickly.”

The Government has also announced that all schoolchildren adopted from care are to benefit from £20m of additional Pupil Premium money to get the support they need to thrive at school from day one – helping around 10,000 children.

The extension of the funding worth £1,900 per pupil, will help to close the attainments gap and transform their future life chances of these children. Previously, only children adopted from care since 30 December 2005 were eligible.

Last year saw a record 15% increase in adoptions. These announcements, which build on this success, are part of a package of new measures that have come into force today. Measures include:

• Removing barriers to successful matches by ensuring ethnicity is not prioritised by councils and adoption agencies over other factors – such as the ability to provide a loving, stable home.
• Placing new rules on councils to actively consider Fostering for Adoption places where appropriate – allowing children to move in with their potential new adoptive family much earlier.
• Putting a new legal duty on all councils to tell adopters about the assistance available to them – including access to priority schools admissions for their children, the Pupil Premium Plus.
• Fifteen hours of free early years education for two year olds.

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MP: Jobs boost for economy

Crewe Chronicle: Crewe and Nantwich MP Edward Timpson has welcomed new figures showing the British economy is now above its pre-crisis peak.

This continuing growth means there are more businesses, creating more jobs, so that more families can have the security of a regular pay packet and the peace of mind for the future that brings.

Mr Timpson said: “Thanks to the hard work of people in Crewe and Nantwich and across Britain the economy is now above its pre-crisis peak – a major milestone in our long-term economic plan. It means more businesses, creating more jobs, so families can look forward to a brighter, more secure future.

“But there is still a long way to go. The Great Recession hit Crewe and Nantwich hard.

“Now we owe it to taxpayers not to repeat the mistakes of the past and instead to stick with the plan that is delivering economic security, increased local employment.”

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5 ways to contact Edward Timpson

• By e-mail: timpsone@parliament.uk
• On the web: www.edwardtimpson.com
• By phone: 01270 501 725
• By post: 30 Victoria Street, Crewe CW1 2JE
• In person: Click here to see surgery times

Today’s health and adult social care overview and scrutiny meeting

 

Councillor Margaret Simon, chair of the health and adult social care overview and scrutiny committee, said: “I found it very upsetting and disappointing that some members of the public who attended today’s meeting had been badly misled and misinformed by those who clearly had their own political agenda.

“This meeting was to scrutinise the Cabinet decision to decide whether further advice was needed before the Council moves forward in designing a plan for dementia care over the next two years to meet the needs of Cheshire East residents to 2020.

“The second call-in matter was to consider whether the Cabinet should reconsider its decision of July 1, 2014, where it simply noted the block purchase of beds that they approved in June 2013.

“This meeting was not a forum for discussion of the future of the Council’s individual care facilities.

“No decision has been made to date about specific services offered at these facilities. Any future changes arising from the implementation of the Dementia Care Plan will be subject to full consultation and robust scrutiny by the members of this committee.”

Councillor Jos Saunders, vice-chair of the scrutiny committee, said: “I was mortified that people had been so misled by others about the purpose of this meeting and that so many of them went away angry and frustrated.

“They clearly thought they were here to discuss something that was not even on the agenda. Any decision about the future of services provided by our care facilities would always be subject to full public consultation.”

Cheshire East reaffirms commitment to strong action to tackle ‘time bomb’ of dementia

 

Cheshire East Council has reaffirmed its commitment to putting’ residents first’ and taking strong action to ensure appropriate dementia care provision – both now and in the future.

The Council’s health and adult social care overview and scrutiny committee today backed Cabinet policy decisions (from July 1 2014) to implement its Dementia Commissioning Plan and review of services at Mountview care centre.

Today’s decision reconfirms the Council’s clearly stated position that Congleton’s Mountview centre is to remain open – providing day care for vulnerable local people.

It also confirms the Council’s intention to secure respite care provision from the private sector in order to widen the range of choice for customers and deliver high-quality social care services which meet the needs of the community while delivering modern standards of care. This will be subject to formal consultation.

This is essential if Cheshire East Council is to effectively meet the long-term needs of its older residents.

The ‘call-in’ had been made by the Council’s Labour group.

The decision of the scrutiny committee was warmly welcomed by Cheshire East Council Leader Michael Jones who said the Council could now proceed with its plans without further delays.

Councillor Jones said: “What we and the people of Cheshire East need is strong action and action now – not unnecessary delays. Increasing need for dementia care is a ticking time-bomb for communities across the country.

“Nor should it be about turning adult social care into a political football – as some are seeking to do. What matters is getting the right care provision at the right time and in the right place to suit the needs of our vulnerable adults.

“The adoption of this Dementia Commissioning Plan follows this Council’s commitment to putting ‘residents first’ and taking strong action to ensure that ‘dementia matters’ in Cheshire East Council.

“This is part of a change of direction in response to the Council’s growing commitment to an illness that affects and will affect many residents in Cheshire East, now and increasingly in the future.”

In Cheshire East, 30 per cent of adults who reach their nineties are likely to suffer from either Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.

Cheshire East has an approximately 5,400 residents, known to the Council, aged over 65 with dementia. This is predicted to rise substantially by 2020.

Councillor Janet Clowes, Cheshire East Council Cabinet member in charge of health and care in the community also welcomed the scrutiny committee decision today.

She said: “This is a sensible decision. This Council firmly believes in putting residents first – and, above all, our concern and responsibility is to protect the welfare of our most vulnerable citizens.

“This is about giving the residents the appropriate care, at the appropriate time in the appropriate environment.

“The Council is taking positive action to increase the range of respite provision to increase the choice and control for carers while ensuring modern, high quality of care.

“Mountview’s day-care services continue to operate as normal.

“It should be remembered that the decision to transfer residential respite services to the independent sector was taken in June 2013, subject to appropriate respite provision being secured locally for Congleton residents. This has now been achieved.

“The report before Cabinet on July 1 spelled out that we have identified provision of more than 1,000 respite bed nights a year in the independent sector in the Congleton area.

“The day service will continue to operate as normal and the adult care service will continue to explore alternative options for Mountview.”

The most recent report to Cabinet provided a fuller description of the commissioning plans for dementia, which underpin these changes. Key priorities in that plan that the Council is committed to are:

● Early diagnosis;

● Early support and reablement; and

● Crisis support.

The two care reports support the delivery of the Cheshire East Council Three-Year Plan, which includes commitments to ensure:

● Our local communities are strong and supportive;

● Cheshire East has a growing and resilient economy; and

● Local people live well and for longer.

Volunteers needed to support new project named The Ridge Rocks and Springs

 

The Ridge Rocks and Springs – a sandstone legacy, an exciting new project from The Sandstone Ridge Trust is to be conducted over the next 

three years .The Trust is now looking for volunteers from the local communities to come and learn more about the project at one of 3 meetings being 

held across the area on August 12th at Frodsham Community Centre , 13th at Cuddington and Sandiway village hall  and Harthill Church of All Saints on 

the 14th. Volunteers can hear about how they can get involved in researching the lost quarries and wells of the Ridge, seeking out their stories and 

recording them for posterity.  The free events start at 7.30 with a talk and presentation.

Anyone interested in volunteering are welcome to attend or should visit the Trust’s website: www.thesandstoneridgetrust.co.uk, or e-mail: 

srtcoordinator@gmail.com

Cheshire East hails announcement of new technical college to boost engineering and transport in the region

 

Cheshire East Council Leader Michael Jones has hailed today’s announcement that Crewe will be home to a new University Technical College that will boost the region’s engineering skills.

UTC Crewe will cater for 14-19-year-olds who want to pursue careers in engineering and high skill manufacturing, working with major local employers to develop gold-standard vocational qualifications alongside he more traditional qualifications. UTC Crewe is due to open in September 2016.

UTCs already operate in other parts of the country but this is the first of its kind in Crewe.

The announcement comes as five cities in the North of England met Chancellor George Osborne to unveil a £15bn plan to improve road and rail connections in the region. The joint One North report includes plans for a new 125mph inter-city rail link, faster links and better access to ports and airports.

Mr Osborne said faster links could create a ‘northern global powerhouse’.

Councillor Michael Jones, Leader of Cheshire East Council hailed the Government’s decision on the UTC today saying it was great news for Crewe, Cheshire East and the north of England as a whole.

He said: “The Chancellor George Osborne, Prime Minister David Cameron and I share the same vision: to drive out unemployment, boost connectivity, create jobs and give our young people the employment opportunities they deserve.

“It is also about rebalancing our economy, boosting the North’s transport engineering skills and delivering better connectivity across the region to unleash its full economic potential and create jobs.

“Britain’s once world-beating manufacturing sector has suffered over the decades leading to lost opportunities to train our youngsters up to become the leading engineers of the future.

“Cheshire East Council has held this vision for some time and we are delighted that the Government has now thrown its full weight behind this idea.

“We also fully support securing more apprentices and our own award-winning apprentice scheme, The A-Team, which offers fantastic training for our youngsters in Cheshire East.”

The UTC scheme is a partnership between Cheshire East Council, Bentley Motors, Manchester Metropolitan University, Siemens, Bosch, OSL Rail, Jacobs Engineering, Chevron Racing, Optical 3D and South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce.

The aim is to fill the gap local businesses have of young people with automotive, engineering, rail and design skills in these growing industries.

The bid had the strong support of local Crewe and Nantwich MP Edward Timpson, who said today: “I have really pushed for this college in government because I have seen with my own eyes what the young people of Crewe and Nantwich are capable of when given the opportunity of first-class technical training. 

“I want them set up for life with skills that will keep them employed and spur them on to higher education if they want it. 

“This college will be producing the engineers of the future under the guidance of some stellar companies. I am so pleased we pulled it off.”

The teaching staff at UTC Crewe will crucially be able to draw on expertise from a range of partners to ensure the academic and practical learning activities are relevant for the changing world of work leading to clear student paths into academia, employment or both.
Bentley’s member of the board for human resources Dr Ariane Reinhart said: “UTC Crewe is fantastic news for Crewe, local students and for Bentley. It will enhance the local community, boosting skills, education and employability, for the benefit of individuals and many organisations.”

Bentley will work with the college and its partners to help design a curriculum that reflects the needs of industry and provides an exciting and inspiring learning environment.

Mathew Conway, engineering director of Crewe-based firm OSL, one of the UK’s leading rail infrastructure companies, said: “I am so pleased UTC Crewe has been accepted.

“It is a fantastic schooling strategy, which I term school-plus. It will allow young professionals of the future, working with real business and educational partners, several educational pathways to gain both academic theory and real-world, practical, work-based experience.

“This experience will provide them with the right skills and attitudes to enable them to build careers from either apprenticeship level or graduate schemes following university which can only benefit the individuals and ultimately local and national businesses.”

Chancellor leads tributes to fallen as Cheshire East remembers the sacrifice of the First World War

 

Chancellor George Osborne led the tributes to the fallen at a Cheshire East service of remembrance to mark the centenary of the start of the First World War.

He lit a specially-commissioned Flame of Remembrance in the grounds of Tatton Park before a bugler poignantly played the Last Post.

The ceremony took place before a gathering of civic dignitaries from across the Borough including the Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire, the Mayor and Leader of Cheshire East Council, serving members of the Mercian (Cheshire) Regiment and the choir of Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service.

The Chancellor gave a speech at the ceremony last night (August 4) which mentioned his own family’s experience of fighting in ‘The Great War’ and of his deep respect for the bravery and sacrifice of the servicemen who fought for their country and for our freedom.

Mr Osborne planted beside the Flame of Remembrance a symbolic poppy he had brought from a service of remembrance he had attended earlier in Glasgow.

Councillor Michael Jones, Leader of Cheshire East Council said: “This was a very moving occasion, carried out with appropriate dignity and solemnity.

“This Flame of Remembrance is symbolic of the importance of remembering this cataclysmic conflict and the great sacrifice made by so many people in defence of their country, communities and freedom.”

Councillor Wesley Fitzgerald, Mayor of Cheshire East, said in his speech: “There can be nobody here whose family was not affected in one way or another by the events of the First World War.

“It is an overused phrase but those events really did change the world and their impact is still felt today.

“It is right that we as a community remember and pay tribute to those that did not come back from the war, or whose lives were affected by the physical or mental scaring brought about by that conflict.

“It is particularly pleasing that we have representatives of the Mercian Regiment here today – they represent, in a very tangible way, those troops that marched off to war 100 years ago.

“I am delighted that Cheshire East Council has developed the Cheshire East Reflects programme – of which today is a part. This is a four-year programme of activities and events to commemorate the First World War. It will bring together many aspects of the local authority with local community groups, organisations and partners.”

As well as the Flame of Remembrance a specially-commissioned countdown clock was unveiled, which will run until November 11, 2018, which marks the centenary of the Armistice that officially ended the First World War.

The Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service choir sang at the ceremony following a prayer by the Mayor’s chaplain, the Rev Magdalen Smith. The Flame of Remembrance was then lit by the Chancellor.

If you would like to promote you community’s commemorative events, or get involved, or have stories to share from this period, please visit the Cheshire East Reflects website at: www.cheshireeastreflects.com

Cheshire businesswomen given £75,000 boost to help them grab benefits of new digital technologies

 

Businesswomen in Cheshire have been given a £75,000 boost to help them take advantage of the latest digital technologies.

Connecting Cheshire, a partnership bringing fibre broadband to Cheshire, has been granted £75,000 from the Government to help women in business across the county learn how to exploit the benefits of faster broadband and digital technology.

Nicky Morgan MP, the Minister for Women, announced Connecting Cheshire was among the successful projects to be awarded funding as part of the Women and Broadband Challenge Fund.

The fund was recently established to help female entrepreneurs and women-led businesses to take advantage of the UK’s broadband infrastructure in order to work more effectively, access new markets and grow business online. A package of specialist support and events will be provided to help Cheshire businesses as part of the project.

Connecting Cheshire, a partnership between BT and Cheshire West and Chester, Cheshire East, Halton and Warrington councils, which is bringing fibre broadband to 96 per cent of homes and businesses by the end of 2015, was awarded the maximum amount of funding.

Women-led businesses now make up 20 per cent of all small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the UK and the fund aims to help more female-led businesses take advantage of superfast broadband to transform the way they do business or to set up a new business from home.

Working with its partners and organisations across the county, Connecting Cheshire plans to focus on female entrepreneurs in rural and semi-rural areas, that will benefit from the Connecting Cheshire fibre broadband roll-out, as well as female-led businesses in the retail, creative industries and the visitor economy sectors, to ensure they can get the most of the opportunities that digital technology and faster broadband offers.

Councillor David Brown, Deputy Leader of Cheshire East Council, on behalf of the Connecting Cheshire Partnership said: “Fibre broadband and digital technology can offer real improvements and cost savings to businesses.

“We want female entrepreneurs and businesswomen in Cheshire to take advantage of this opportunity and see how they can make the most of new technology to improve the profitability of their businesses and help create new jobs across the Borough.”

Clare Hayward, chair of Make it Macclesfield, said, “We’re living in a digital age and women everywhere can particularly benefit from the power of increased connectivity. In the community and in the business world, the increasing desire for better work/life balance and for greater control over how, when and where we work is often driven by women, this support will help to make this happen for more women across Cheshire.”

Sara Pomfret of SPBS Ltd and Chester Women’s Network in partnership with Ellis & Co Accountants and Business Advisers and Nat West, said: “Whether it be for those businesses needing basic help to get their business on line for the first time or to assist those who already have an online presence, this is an excellent opportunity for women in the Cheshire area to take advantage of a programme which can truly help them work more efficiently and empower them to effectively grow their businesses online.”

Nicky Morgan MP said: “This fund will give women the practical help needed to get their businesses on-line and take advantage of superfast broadband. This will include online mentors, business clubs and training courses so that women all over the country can benefit from the kind of help Campus for Mums is giving.”

In the North West, there is lower than average female self-employment at just five per cent, compared to 6.2 per cent for England (Source: ONS Annual Population Survey 2013, supplied by NOMIS June 2014) and participation rates in the Connecting Cheshire Business Support Programme events has demonstrated that female-owned businesses attending are in the minority.

The project is expected to start in September 2014 and run for six months.

Information around Connecting Cheshire is available at www.connectingcheshire.org.uk. To find out more about the Connecting Cheshire Superfast Business Programme, visit www.ccbusiness.co.uk

For enquiries about this news release please contact the Connecting Cheshire Media Relations Team on 01270 686577 or email:
communications@cheshireeast.gov.uk

Application for a further 53 houses in the green gap in Rope

 

Willaston and Rope Ward UKIP Councillor Brian Silvester is calling on residents to object to an application for a further 53 houses in the green gap in Rope off Rope Lane. (See details of where to send objections below)

He said, “ In 2012 Wain Homes had an application for 80 houses off Rope Lane refused because it was in the Green Gap.(See phase 1 attached) They gained permission  on appeal. In the decision letter the Inspector said that the ‘the development would not materially reduce the physical or perceived separation of Shavington and Crewe.’ This latest application (see attached) will virtually obliterate the green gap between Shavington and the A500 and if the Gresty Oaks development is passed it will be gone for good. It would virtually destroy the Green Gap and the beautiful open countryside at the edge of Shavington and many acres of good agricultural land would be lost forever. It would be the latest step towards joining Crewe up with its surrounding villages. Most people are aware of the ugly urban sprawl in places like Stoke on Trent and we do not want that on our doorstep

Rope Lane is the main route to Shavington High School and Shavington village. Rope Lane is congested and dangerous now at peak times.To have an additional 100 cars added to the traffic movements can only lead to further highway congestion and add to the accident and pollution problems.  

No apparent regard has been taken of the fact that Swill Brook is a flood zone and that there is significant  danger of flooding. Gresty Lane and the gardens adjacent to the brook regularly flood now and this further development will only exasperate the flooding problems.

Also the development would put extra pressure on local schools and NHS facilities which are already under pressure.

In summary there are good planning reasons to refuse this application. The Local Plan has been adopted  by the Council and is now awaiting Government approval. This site has not been included as one of the strategic housing sites in the Local Plan..The site is marked in the submitted local plan as ‘Proposed Green Belt Broad Area of Search.’ I strongly feel that this application should be rejected, it is detrimental to the open countryside, it would mean the permanent loss of good agricultural land, it would bring further traffic problems, it would exasperate the current flooding problems, it impinges massively on the green gap between our villages and is unsustainable.”

 

Residents angry over 146 houses being passed on appeal in the green gap in Willaston

Willaston and Rope Ward UKIP Councillor Brian Silvester says,”Residents are very angry over 146 houses being passed on appeal in the green gap off Moorfields in Willaston

The Inspector found that there wasn’t a 5 year housing supply and the Local Plan is still in it early stages of being examined and therefore does not carry a lot of weight. The Inspector admits that it would damage the green gap but not significantly. Overall he says the site is sustainable.

I feel incensed about this. If the Council had got their act together and had an adopted Local Plan and a 5 year supply of housing then this would not have happened. The Leader of the Council has, for over a year, told residents not to worry because a 5 year housing supply was in place. However, sadly, virtually every Planning Inspector who has examined the evidence has concluded that there is not a 5 year supply and 14 major appeals have been lost by the Council, at a cost of over £400,000 to the Council taxpayer. Several hundred houses have been  passed against the almost unanimous objections  of residents.  Hundred of acres of green fields, many in the green gap, are to be concreted over and lost forever. This planning disaster is a self inflicted wound. Many of these fields could have been saved from the bulldozer if the Council had an adopted Local Plan and a 5 year housing supply that stands up to examination on appeal.

The leadership of the Council have totally let down the good people of Cheshire East and they should go. We need new leadership urgently to sort out  this planning catastrophe that has sadly engulfed us all.”

Cllr Brian Silvester BA (Hons) (Photo attached)

Willaston and Rope Ward UKIP Councillor

Cheshire East Council

11 Rimsdale Close

Rope,Crewe

CW2 6RS

Tel/fax 01270 567757

Text     07760147609

www.twitter.com/cllrbsilvester

www.facebook.com/CllrBrianSilvester

Man admits fraudulently claiming more than £8,000 in benefits while secretly cashing in on company pension

 

A man has admitted fraudulently claiming more than £8,000 in benefits while secretly drawing on his company pension.

Jack Parker, 63, of School Bank, Wybunbury, near Crewe, pleaded guilty at South and East Cheshire Magistrates’ Court (on July 14, 2014) to two charges of failing to notify of a change in his circumstances that would affect his entitlement to housing benefit, Council Tax benefit and jobseekers’ allowance.

Cheshire East Council is now actively taking steps to ensure Parker repays all the benefits he fraudulently claimed.

Magistrates sitting at Crewe heard that Parker claimed housing benefit and Council Tax benefit from May 2011 and jobseekers’ allowance from July 2012, on the basis that he was on a low income. Investigators from the Council’s benefit fraud team found that he had started to receive an occupational pension.

Parker failed to report this change to the Council and to the Department for Work and Pensions and continued to receive benefits he was not entitled to, totalling £8,168.

Magistrates sentenced Parker to a conditional discharge for 24 months and ordered him to pay costs of £200 and a victim surcharge of £15 to be paid at a rate of £5 per week. The Council, which brought the prosecution, will seek full repayment of the overpaid benefits.

Councillor David Brown, Deputy Leader of Cheshire East Council, said: “Benefit fraud will not be tolerated by this authority and we will take robust action to protect our communities from those who cheat the system and honest taxpayers.”

“We are an enforcing Council and committed to ensuring these offenders are brought to justice. Benefit fraud is simply wrong and inexcusable behaviour.

“This prosecution, and others like it, sends out a clear message that we will not tolerate benefit fraud.”

If you think someone is committing benefit fraud, you can ring the confidential freephone fraud hotline on 0800 389 2787. You don’t have to give your name and your call will be treated in the strictest confidence.

Alternatively, you can report suspected fraud via the Council’s website at www.cheshireeast.gov.uk